On Thursday, Ange Postecoglou’s blooding of young Socceroos continued when the squad to face Saudi Arabia and Belgium was announced.
Containing former national team players on recall and some fresh faces, one was given a chance of earning his first Australian cap.
Bailey Wright.
Wright has been plying his trade for Preston North End in England’s League One.
A former Dandenong Thunder and Victorian Institute of Sport player, Wright has continually impressed since moving abroad in 2009.
During the 2013/14 season, Wright made 51 appearances for Preston, helping them reach the playoffs and establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league. Wright’s impressive campaign saw him selected in the 23-man Australian squad at the 2014 World Cup. This helped put a difficult period behind him, after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations in July.
I have tracked Wright for several seasons now and have been calling for more national team opportunities; under Postecoglou the central defender seems to be getting them.
As Australia continues to move into the next phase following the ‘golden generation’, finding a central defensive pairing will be a high priority.
Wright is a versatile defender, an integral part of the Preston team who conceded the third fewest amount of goals in League One last season. With great ability to read the play, dominant in the air and exposure at both full back positions, Wright gives Postecoglou several options.
The net for future Socceroos has been cast high and wide, with consistent performances and playing regularly now the selection criteria, not the league you play in.
For Bailey Wright this couldn’t be more perfect, as he goes from strength to strength for Preston North End, who had him transfer listed in 2012 only for it to be overruled by chairman Peter Ridsdale.
The Lilywhites will be firmly in the promotion hunt once again this season, with Wright playing an important role.
With 114 games for Preston under his belt, Wright is now a cornerstone of the Deepdale defence, surviving squad overhauls and manager changes to prosper as a footballer.
Wright is no stranger when it comes to the challenges life throws before him, with his maiden Socceroo cap the next obstacle to conquer. With the new Socceroos boss keeping close tabs on the former Langwarrin junior, a national team debut looks just around the corner.
There is an air of excitement surrounding the next generation of Socceroos coming through under Ange Postecoglou heading into the 2015 Asian Cup.
The young defender is one to watch.
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